How Do I Remove Stains or Odours from the Bags?

Whilst platinum silicone's non-porous surface naturally resists stains and odours better than any plastic alternative, occasionally you might encounter persistent discolouration or lingering scents from particularly potent foods. The good news is that several simple, household-friendly methods can restore your Peala bags to their original condition without damaging the material or compromising food safety.

Understanding Why Stains and Odours Occur

Despite platinum silicone's superior resistance to absorption, certain foods contain powerful pigments or aromatic compounds that can temporarily adhere to the surface. Foods like turmeric, beetroot, tomato-based sauces, curry spices, garlic, and fish are common culprits. It's important to note that these aren't true stains in the traditional sense—the non-porous nature of platinum silicone means the discolouration sits on the surface rather than penetrating the material.

Bicarbonate of Soda Method (Most Effective)

Bicarbonate of soda is remarkably effective at removing both stains and odours from platinum silicone. Create a paste by mixing three tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with enough water to form a thick consistency. Apply this paste generously to the stained or odorous areas, ensuring complete coverage.

Allow the paste to sit for 15-20 minutes, giving it time to break down the staining compounds and neutralise odours. For particularly stubborn stains, you can leave the paste on for up to an hour. After the treatment time, gently scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. The mild abrasive action of bicarbonate of soda, combined with its natural deodorising properties, makes this method highly effective.

White Vinegar Solution

White vinegar's natural acidity makes it excellent for neutralising odours and breaking down certain types of stains. Create a solution using equal parts white vinegar and water. Fill the affected bag with this solution, seal it, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.

For surface stains, you can apply the vinegar solution directly to the affected area using a cloth or sponge. The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve residue whilst neutralising odour-causing compounds. After treatment, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any vinegar residue.

Lemon Juice Treatment

Fresh lemon juice offers both stain-fighting and deodorising properties whilst leaving a pleasant, fresh scent. The citric acid in lemon juice is particularly effective against protein-based stains and oily residues. Apply fresh lemon juice directly to the stained area, or create a solution of one part lemon juice to one part water for more delicate cleaning.

Allow the lemon juice to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush. For enhanced effectiveness, you can sprinkle a small amount of salt over the lemon juice, which provides gentle abrasive action whilst the citric acid works on the stain.

Sunlight Method for Stubborn Stains

Natural sunlight can be surprisingly effective at breaking down certain organic stains. After treating your bags with one of the above methods, place them in direct sunlight for several hours. The UV rays help break down remaining pigment molecules that cause discolouration.

This method works particularly well for turmeric stains, which can be challenging to remove completely with cleaning agents alone. Ensure the bags are completely clean and dry before sun exposure, and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods (more than 6-8 hours) as prolonged UV exposure can eventually cause slight discolouration of the silicone itself.

Dishwasher Deep Clean

For general maintenance and mild stain removal, run your Peala bags through a dishwasher cycle using a quality dishwasher detergent. The combination of hot water, alkaline detergent, and extended cleaning time can help remove light stains and refresh the bags.

For enhanced effectiveness, you can pre-treat stains with bicarbonate of soda paste before placing the bags in the dishwasher. Ensure the bags are positioned on the top rack and fully opened so water can circulate freely.

Prevention Strategies

Immediate Cleaning: Clean bags as soon as possible after use, especially when they've contained strongly coloured or aromatic foods. Fresh stains are always easier to remove than set-in ones.

Pre-Treatment: For foods known to cause staining, consider lightly coating the inside of the bag with a small amount of oil, which can act as a barrier between the food and the silicone surface.

Regular Maintenance: Periodic deep cleaning with bicarbonate of soda, even when visible stains aren't present, helps maintain the bags' pristine condition and prevents the gradual buildup of residues.

What to Avoid

Never use harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, or abrasive scouring pads, as these can damage the surface finish of the platinum silicone. Avoid using extremely hot water (above 60°C) for cleaning, as this can set certain types of stains rather than removing them.

With these proven methods, you can keep your Peala bags looking and smelling fresh, ensuring they continue to provide excellent food storage performance for years to come.